Gangtok is the capital city of India’s northeastern state of Sikkim, which is bordered by Tibet, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. It is a popular Himalayan trekking base due to its strategic location and is also well known as a Buddhist pilgrimage site because of its revered monasteries and stupas. The town offers spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and access to Teesta River for some of the best whitewater rafting spots in North East India.
Established in 1952, the Hanuman Temple or Hanuman Tok is a shrine complex dedicated to the Hindi monkey god. Devotees of Lord Hanuman travel 11km from Gangtok’s city center to reach the temple, which sits at an altitude of 7,200 feet on the branch road of the Gangtok-Nathula Highway. Hanuman Tok has certain elements of Tibetan architecture and is a great vantage point to appreciate the beauty of Gangtok and Mt. Kanchenjunga.
Tashi View Point, located in its namesake town near Bakthang Waterfall 8km from Gangtok, was built by King Tashi Namgyal who ruled Sikkim from 1914 to 1963. Perched on top of a steep flight of stairs, Tashi View Point is a circular platform where people can see panoramic views of Mt. Sinilochu and Mt. Kanchenjunga, as well as a glimpse of the Phodong and Labrang monasteries. There are souvenir shops in the area and a cafeteria that serves snacks and tea.
The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is one of the premier research institutions in the world dedicated to preserving Tibetan history, culture, language, art, and religion. Its library has one of the largest collections of Tibetan scrolls and books outside of Tibet. The institute’s main building is the perfect representation of traditional Sikkimese architecture. The Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is located in Deorali, just a short car ride or a 30-minute walk from Gangtok’s Mahatma Gandhi Marg.
Standing on the ridge of a hill above Gangtok is a colorful Tibetan monastery belonging to the Nyingma order of Vajrayana Buddhism. The Enchey Monastery was built in 1909 on a steep road 3km northeast of Gangtok and houses statues of Buddhist deities as well as a large collection of ritual dance masks. This charming, secluded monastery hosts the annual Detor Cham dance festival on the 18th and 19th day of the 12th month of the Tibetan calendar, which typically falls on either January or February.
The Banjhakri Falls and Energy Park is one of Gangtok’s top tourist attractions, developed to celebrate Sikkim’s rich shamanic traditions. The park features various statues and sculptures, including those of shamanic deities in the tradition of Nepal’s Kirati people, a dragon in the middle of a man-made lake, and a landscaped garden filled with ornamental trees and flowers. The park’s natural waterfall is tucked away in this forested area located less than 7km away from the town center.
Nearly 500m above the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology stands the Do Drul Chorten Monastery, where young monks are educated and trained in the Tibetan Buddist ways. Right outside the monastery rises one of the most recognizable and revered stupas in all of Sikkim. The Do Drul Chorten, which contains sacred texts, statues of the gods, and other religious relics, is marked by a golden dome that is visible from various areas in Gangtok.
Mahatma Gandhi Marg is one of the most frequently used road names in all of India. Gangtok is no exception, with its very own M.G. Marg right at heart of the city. This vehicle-free and pedestrian-friendly avenue is lined with restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and bars, making M.G. Marg a foodie and shopping haven for both tourists and locals. The annual Gangtok Food and Culture Festival happens every December and food stalls across the entire stretch of M.G. Marg showcase their Sikkim delicacies.
The Himalayan Zoological Park is the first of its kind in Sikkim dedicated to wildlife preservation by providing as close to a natural habitat as possible for various species of animals. Located less than 6km from Gangtok in Bulbulay on 230 hectares of forested land, the park entrance is just across the pathway to another popular Gangtok attraction, Ganesh Tok. Among the rare and endangered species that can be seen in this sprawling zoological park are the red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, and barking deer.
Nestled on a hilltop 7km away from Gangtok is the quaint Hindu temple of Ganesh Tok. Visitors come to offer prayers to the revered elephant-headed Hindu god of beginnings, Lord Ganesh, while also enjoying the amazing scenery. The observation deck offers a panoramic view of Gangtok, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and the official residence of the governor of Sikkim. The pathway towards Ganesh Tok is right across the road leading up to the Himalayan Zoological Park.
Gangtok Ropeway is a 935-meter long cable ride that starts at Deorali Bazar, just a six-minute walk from Mahatma Gandhi Marg in the center of town. The whole journey from Deorali to Namnang and all the way up to Tashiling station takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Passengers get a bird’s eye view of Gangtok and of the third highest mountain in the world, Mt. Kanchenjunga. This scenic cable ride definitely tops the list of things to do in Gangtok especially for first-time visitors.
Sikkim’s capital is one of India’s best known hill stations, popular among adventure enthusiasts heading up to the Himalayas. It is also home to famous religious sites that offer scenic mountain views such as the Hanuman Temple, Ganesh Tok, and Enchey Monastery. The Gangtok Ropeway gondola is another tourist favorite because it’s a great way to see the entire town and the majestic Mt. Kanchenjunga at an altitude of 6,200 feet.
Autumn is the most ideal season to visit because the weather in Gangtok from September to early November is mild, perfect for trekking and other outdoor activities. Summer is also a good time to go to Gangtok because visitors can expect clear skies from March to June and get unobstructed views of the Himalayan mountain range.
Gangtok hotels in and around the Mahatma Gandhi Marg are ideal since all the best restaurants, bars, and coffee shops are located in this area. It is also the main shopping destination in Gangtok for locals and tourists alike. There are many accommodation options to choose from, ranging from homestays to budget hotels and luxury villas. Private or shared taxi is the main mode of transportation and Mahatma Gandhi Marg is the best area to flag one down to get around town.